Peninsula Pneumatics / Hydraulics & Engineering Supplies CC reach a significant milestone this month as they celebrate 30 years of service to the Western Cape industry.
Events that shaped 1990 were tumultuous – East and West Germany were reunified, Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, began the Gulf War, and here at home, Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years behind bars and Namibia gained its independence from South Africa.
For Josh and Joyce Jooste their most endearing memory of that year was the day they set up shop in Paarden Eiland and Peninsula Pneumatics / Hydraulics & Engineering Supplies (PPH) opened its doors for the first time. It is unlikely that they even considered that in July 2020 and they would be celebrating the firm’s 30th anniversary – no mean feat for a small, family owned and managed business that has weathered countless economic storms, and now even a pandemic.
Honesty and integrity are guiding principles
Josh needs to be coaxed to reveal his successful formula of how the business flourished when statistics dictate that most small businesses don’t make it past the first five years.
“We’ve always operated with honesty and integrity and most importantly, viewed the business’ bank account as belonging to the business, and not to be dipped into by its owners” said Josh.
Joyce echoes the sentiment and as the business’ financial manager said that they have always operated without bank support and they own their own 1,000m2 premises in Paarden Eiland. “We wanted to create a sustainable business with reliable suppliers who shared our values. This rubs off onto the customers who receive high quality, reliable equipment at a fair price. We like to think that our extensive experience which translates into friendly advice, problem solving abilities and reliable service is why our customers keep coming back” she added. This mantra is summarised in the company’s motto, We are there for you.
Top agencies provide quality products
PPH has long standing agency agreements with predominantly Italian suppliers having found them to be amongst the most competitive and manufacture to European ISO and DIN industry standards. Customers are thus ensured of a wide range of reliable, quality products at a fair price. Also having most suppliers from one country of origin simplifies transport costs and import logistics.
Trusted suppliers include:
Metal Work Pneumatic
Metal Work, formed in 1967, is an Italian company specialising in the production of pneumatic components for automation systems.
VMECA Vacuum Technology
VMECA is one of the market leaders in vacuum handling and have patented many products. Product innovation is driven by high quality and high productivity.
ODE Solenoid Valves
Since 1960 ODE S.r.l. (Officine di Esino Lario) has been providing customized designs and production of solenoid valves for manufacturers and system integrators, many of which are “leading edge” designs which satisfy the demands of vending and coffee machine manufacturing, car wash manufacturing, automation, medical, food and beverage, water control and chemical sectors.
Aignep, Eurofit and Mebra Plastik
These principles provide a complete range of Plated Brass Compression Fittings, Knurled Nut Fittings, Push-In Fittings, Adaptors and Ball Valves. A complete range of Nylon Tubing in sizes 4mm – 14mm, Polyurethane Tubing and Teflon Tubing in sizes 4mm – 12mm are imported and stocked.
PPH also manufactures Coiled Nylon Hoses (Suzie Coils) in its workshop to customer specified working lengths.
Exair
Exair Corporation was incorporated in 1983 as a manufacturer of compressed-air operated products to solve problems in industrial plants. The product line includes: Vortex Tubes, Air Amplifiers, Air Knives, and ionising products for static elimination and liquid atomising nozzles.
Goyen Mecair Dust Filter Cleaning Systems
The range includes: Dust Collector Diaphragm Valves (Pulse Jet Valves), Electronic Control Systems, Venturis and Nozzles.
Knowing the business
Strong family values permeate the PPH business with greater involvement in the day to day management by Josh and Joyce’s son.
Says son Algie “The success of the business has been down to a steady growth over the years and although only 13 members strong our reputation and relationship with other players in the industry has stood us in good stead.
“Our workshop services provide cylinder assembly, repairs and testing, building pneumatic and electro-pneumatic control panels to customer specifications, building hydraulic power packs, servicing and repairs to all types of pneumatic and hydraulic equipment and testing. On-site services include pipe installations, whether pneumatic or hydraulic which includes testing, servicing and fault finding” he explained.
“Often we see customers who just need advice as to how to overcome a particular fault or problem, and we are happy to advise them and suggest an economical solution. Many of them have been elsewhere first or been sold cheap components from the East which failed. We don’t handle those kinds of imports which have unfortunately flooded the market, often creating very unhappy customers. Those who buy on price alone usually get what they paid for!
“Many of our staff members have been with us since the beginning and are loyal and trusted individuals who care for the business as much as they care for themselves. This attitude is very unusual to find in today’s climate of making a fast buck and expecting something for nothing” said Algie. “We are very customer centric and always endeavour to uphold the company’s motto; ‘We are there for you’.
And the recipe for the future?
“Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke is a phrase that comes to mind and honesty and integrity have stood us in good stead. I don’t see us deviating too much from the trusted formula of our current business model. By keeping a finger on the pulse, our growth will follow that of the industries we serve. Our fundamentals are sound and we have excellent agency agreements and satisfied principals who provide us access with their latest technology and cutting edge products, which keeps our customers happy” he said.
“To maintain our biggest asset – service – we need to ensure we have the people to provide it. That’s why we look for people with an interest and a passion for pneumatics and hydraulics, train them and enhance their skills” he concluded.
